If you’re planning to change the name on your passport in India, whether it’s due to marriage, legal reasons, or other personal circumstances, the process might initially seem complex. But, with the proper information and guidance, it can be done easily. In this blog, we’ll explain the steps to change the name on your passport in India and outline the necessary documents, particularly for those looking to update their surname after marriage.
Common Reasons Name Change in Passport
There are various reasons to initiate a name change in passport in India.
- Women frequently change their surname after marriage and must update their passports accordingly.
- After a divorce, many individuals choose to revert to their maiden names.
- Some people may intend to change their name because they don’t like it.
- Simple mistakes or wrong spellings of a name may necessitate correction.
Each situation has distinct documentation requirements, which we will discuss later in this guide.
Process for Changing Name in Passport in India
Both online and offline name-change procedures are explained below.
- To update your name in the Central Gazette, complete a name change affidavit. The affidavit should bear the current name, the new name, the reason for the change, and your address. The name change will be officially published in the Gazette, after being processed.
- Next, you should publish ads in two local newspapers—one in English and one in your regional language—informing the public of your name change.
- Submit a reissue application at a Passport Office. You can apply either online through the Passport Seva website by filling out Form No. II for Miscellaneous Services or by visiting a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
Online Process to Change Name in Passport.
- Submit your application to the Passport Seva website (PSK) online.
- If you don’t have an account, create one on the official Passport Seva website.
- Log in to your account and pick the “Apply for New Passport/Reissue of Passport” option.
- Complete the application form and specify the necessary changes in the “name change” section.
- Submit the application form and take note of the ARN (Application Reference Number).
- Visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
- Bring all of the relevant paperwork to the PSK or Passport Office.
- Your biometric information, pictures, and signatures will be captured at the centre.
- Verification & Processing
- After the document verification process, your request to change the name will be processed.
4. Receive an updated passport.
- After your request has been processed, you will receive a passport with the updated name.
Documents Needed for Name Change on a Passport in India
The documents required will vary based on the reason for the name change. Below is a general list:
For Name Change due to Marriage:
- Original Marriage Certificate
- Copy of the spouse’s passport (if applicable).
- Attested copy of the ID proofs with the updated name.
Surname Change in Passport in India After Divorce:
- Divorce decree (if reverting to maiden name).
- Gazette notification for the name change (if needed)
For General Name Change:
- Gazette Notification of India announcing the name change.
- Aadhaar card, PAN card, or other official ID mentioning the new name.
For Minor Name Change:
- Birth certificate.
- School leaving certificate with the correct spelling.
Updating Surname in Passport After Marriage in India
Changing your surname in a passport after marriage is one of India’s most frequent reasons for name updates. If you’ve recently married and wish to update your surname, you must provide additional documentation.
Passport Name Update After Divorce in India
If you’ve gone through a divorce and wish to return to your maiden name, the process is easy. Submit divorce decree, and a government gazette notification if the name change was legally registered. After applying for a name change in the passport office or PSK, a new passport with the updated name will be sent.
Conclusion
Changing your name on a passport in India is easy if the documentation is done right. Whatever the reason, understanding the requirements will make the process easier. If you encounter any challenges along the way, don’t hesitate to seek our assistance to ensure a successful update to your passport.
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